Front: Simone Bedi and Alexia Neal. Back: Dr. Eric Leshinskie, Dr. Stephanie Polliard, and Phil Root.
Scottsdale Community College (SCC) is proud to announce that two students have received national recognition at the recent Phi Theta Kappa Catalyst Convention. Simone Bedi is a 2026 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar (top scorer in Arizona) and a member of the 2026 All-USA Academic Team. Alexia Neal is a 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholar and a member of the 2026 All-Arizona Academic Team.
For Bedi, being named to the 2026 All-USA Academic Team is one of the most prestigious academic honors in American community college education. Selected from more than 2,300 nominees nationwide, Bedi is among a select group of students to receive this distinction, presented by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). She will receive a $3,000 scholarship, along with a medallion, obelisk, and certificate. Learn more about Bedi’s pathway from India to Arizona and to the national stage.
Neal was selected as a 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholar from a highly competitive national pool and will receive a $1,300 scholarship in recognition of outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and service.
After graduating from SCC, Bedi plans to transfer to Arizona State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology and biological sciences on a pre-med pathway. Neal plans to transfer to ASU to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Media Production.
“Simone and Alexia exemplify the very best of Scottsdale Community College,” said Dr. Eric Leshinskie, SCC president. “Their academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to their goals reflect not only their individual determination, but also the strength of our college community. We are incredibly proud of their achievements on the national stage and excited to see the impact they will continue to make as they pursue their future aspirations.”
“The All-USA program is a prestigious recognition of a student’s exceptional abilities both in and outside of the classroom,” said Amanda Karpinski-Gorman, Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “These students are selected for their resilience, creativity, and ingenuity in tackling global and local challenges. We are incredibly proud of the individuals named to the 2026 team and eagerly anticipate the continued impact they will make.”
Learn more about the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at SCC.
For more information about the programs offered at Scottsdale Community College.